Make UK Manufacturing Dinner & Expo 2026

The Make UK Manufacturing Dinner & Expo brings together manufacturers, business leaders, and experts for two days of practical insight, informed discussion and meaningful connection, with Made Smarter joining as the headline sponsor.

The agenda and full list of speakers can be viewed below.

Manufacturing Expo – Thursday 25 June
The Manufacturing Expo is the core part of the event. It is a full day focused on the issues affecting manufacturers right now – from productivity and supply chain resilience to AI and digital adoption. Through keynote speakers, expert manufacturing panels and real-world discussion, attendees will gain insight they can take back into their organisations and apply.

Key highlights include:

• Opening Keynotes: Leadership insights from Stephen Phipson CBE (CEO, Make UK) and Professor Bart van Ark (The Productivity Institute).
• Industry Perspectives: Strategies for boosting output from GeoPura, LBBC, G&B Electronic Designs Limited and SMD.
• Supply Chain Resilience: Practical peer insights from Siemens, Filtronic, MSE Hiller Ltd and Trent Refractories.
• The Digital Shop Floor: An afternoon keynote from Brian Holliday (Chief Executive Officer for Siemens UK & Ireland) followed by contributions on adopting new tech from AW Hainsworth, SST Group, AESSEAL plc, Arup and Sunderland Software City.
• Employments Rights Act - What's Next? Join our employment law experts during lunch for a special "ERA - What's Next?" session, where we'll share the latest developments, what they could mean for manufacturers, and the areas HR teams should be focusing on now.

• Networking opportunities: connect with peers, speakers, exhibitors and partners who understand the challenges and opportunities facing UK manufacturing.
• Introducing the Apprentice Corner: This dedicated space allows your apprentices to connect, share experiences and build valuable industry networks. Here, they will learn how to champion the sector and inspire Gen Alpha to pursue manufacturing careers. Apprentices will also gain full access to the expo programme, featuring inspiring speakers who will share their industry journeys, challenges and successes. Special ticket rate available!
  

Manufacturing Dinner – Wednesday 24 June
The event begins with the Manufacturing Dinner on Wednesday evening. The dinner provides an opportunity to step back from the day-to-day, build relationships and share perspectives with fellow manufacturers in a relaxed setting. The evening includes a drinks reception, keynote address by David Moore, CEO of Pragmatic, three-course dinner and a panel discussion exploring the future of the sector and the issues shaping UK manufacturing.

Dress code: Relaxed business attire/ smart casual

The full speaker line-up and detailed agendas can be viewed below.

A thank you to our sponsors
Events like this are only possible with the support of our partners. We would like to extend a huge thank you to all our sponsors, Made Smarter, ECI, Inspired, Horizon Works, Durham University, Razor Ltd and Red Diamond Executive Headhunters for their commitment to the UK manufacturing sector.

Why attend?
This event is designed for manufacturers who want to:

• Understand what’s changing across UK manufacturing
• Learn how other organisations are responding and investing
• Take part in practical, informed conversations
• Build connections that last beyond the event

You can attend the Manufacturing Expo, the Manufacturing Dinner or both. Click "Get tickets" and select the option that works best for you.

EVENT TIMING NOTE
The Manufacturing Dinner takes place on Wednesday evening, followed by the Manufacturing Expo on Thursday.